Winter storm warning issued for parts of WNY

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a “winter storm warning” for heavy, blowing snow starting at 11 a.m. Friday through 4 p.m. Saturday for southern Erie County as well as Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties.

Total snowfall during that period could be from eight to 14 inches.

Winds are expected to be in the 20 to 30 mph rage with gusts in the 35 mph, producing blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility to a quarter of a mile.

Weather watchers say the heavy snow could make for difficult travel conditions, especially in higher terrain.

A less serious “winter weather advisory” was issued for northern Erie County, along with Niagara Orleans and Genesee counties, from 4 p.m. Friday until 4 p.m. Saturday.

Four to six inches of snow could fall during that time. Combined with windy conditions, visibility could be down to half a mile at times.